The reopening of the Zaragoza-Canfranc-Pau railway line is not just an infrastructure project; it is an urgent necessity that reflects the desire to improve cross-border connections between Spain and Europe. This line, closed since 1970 on the French side, represents an opportunity for the Aragón region and the rest of Spain to gain direct access to Central Europe. At the same time, it would significantly benefit France and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region by connecting the Central Pyrenees and boosting the economy, sustainability, and European cohesion on both sides of the border.

Looking at the Italian Alps, we see how there are multiple cross-border railway connections linking France, Switzerland, and Austria. However, in the Central Pyrenees, there is no active line, which limits the development of our region and Aragón’s connectivity with the continent. The reopening of the Zaragoza-Canfranc-Pau line is a solution to this gap, offering an alternative to the Atlantic Corridor and strengthening European integration.

History and historical significance of Canfranc

The Canfranc International Station, officially opened on July 18, 1928, with the presence of Alfonso XIII and Gaston Doumergue, was conceived as a major international step. Its impressive architecture and state-of-the-art facilities for the time symbolized cooperation between Spain and France. The station served as a meeting point for travelers and goods, but also as a de facto border, with bilingual spaces reflecting the mutual understanding between both nations.

During World War II, Canfranc gained even more significance, functioning as a central hub for the transport of strategic materials. However, in 1970, a tragic railway accident on the French side interrupted the connection, leaving the station inactive. Despite limited efforts since then, Canfranc remains a symbol of what could have been and what still can be, with the potential to once again become a symbol of cooperation and connectivity in Europe.

The EU and the Canfranc line

The reopening of the line largely depends on the support of the European Union. In September 2024, torrential rains caused severe flooding in the region between the Aspe Valley and the Aragonese Pyrenees, isolating the residents of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Aragón. This led to significant economic losses, making the need to improve connections across the border even more urgent. Reopening the Zaragoza-Canfranc-Pau train line would not only restore these connections but would be a crucial solution to prevent further situations like the one in September.

Currently, SNCF is conducting public consultations on the railway reopening, which will end in December 2024, with a view to an evaluation in 2025. However, this is not a priority project, which is expected to be completed in 2032, while the Spanish side would be finished in over two years. Moreover, the visit of Members of the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee, scheduled for February 2025, highlights the importance of making this line a priority for the EU.

Decarbonization and sustainability

The reopening of the Zaragoza-Canfranc-Pau line not only has mobility implications but also impacts sustainability and the economy. This strategic project could contribute to the economic and tourist development of the Aragonese Pyrenees, positioning Zaragoza as a key logistics hub in Southern Europe with significant relevance in defense matters. But its impact goes beyond that: it would be a crucial measure for the decarbonization of freight transport.

According to an SNCF study, the line could reduce between 60,000 and 80,000 trucks per year (between 160 and 220 trucks per day) on the RN-134 road in France and the N-330 road in Spain. This decrease in heavy vehicle traffic would contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and easing congestion on these routes. Connecting southwestern France to Spain via the most direct route to Aragón and Catalonia would allow for the handling of up to 2 million tons of goods annually, which, in addition to being an economic boost, would also promote a more ecological alternative to the current Atlantic Corridor.

Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassadors initiative

As a 26-year-old from Zaragoza, I have had the opportunity to be actively involved in the European Commission's Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassadors programme. Through this programme, I have been in direct contact with the regional governments of both countries and Members of the European Parliament. My goal is to accelerate the timelines set by SNCF, which currently envisions the completion of the project in Nouvelle-Aquitaine by 2032, while Spain hopes to finish the works in Aragón before 2030.

This program gives a voice to young Europeans in community policies, especially in cross-border regions like ours. Personally, my connection to the history of the Canfranc line, linked to the export of Valencian products and the fact that the importance of the international line led my maternal grandfather’s family to move from Valencia to Zaragoza, has made me understand the importance of having a more connected Europe. Reopening this line would not only solve logistical problems but also symbolize a more united Europe, capable of overcoming future challenges.

With the efforts of many people working in Aragón and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, along with the support of European initiatives like Youth4Cooperation, the reopening of the Zaragoza-Canfranc-Pau line can become a key project for a more integrated, sustainable, and cohesive Europe.